Kincardine council is looking forward to the future plans of the Bluewater Trailer Park Lands.
The lands were originally conveyed to the municipality in 1885. The requirement of the conveyance as written in the instrument indicates a dedication of lands for public purpose, namely to be used as a public park, garden, or walkway.
Council was presented the option to retain a landscape architect from the beginning of the planning process, before public consultation was completed, in order to have ideas for the land be fully understood, rather than collected and then lost in translation.
“I need to stress that the first consideration would be to gather public input through a series of community consultations. Once this has been completed, council can then determine the direction of the three conceptual design plans,” explained CAO Alan Smith. “Again, I do need to stress it was important that public consultation on the future of those lands will be the foundation of the planning design work that will be undertaken.”
In 2024, council had determined that the current use of the lands as a seasonal trailer park did not align with the property’s original dedication for use as a public park, garden, or walkway, according to a media release from the Municipality of Kincardine.
Back in September 2024, council had resolved to approve a three-year agreement for the purposed of management of the Bluewater Trailer Park, with an expiry date of October 31, 2027. The lease was held until after the end of camping season in order to allow seasonal tenants to make alternative arrangements.
In order to retain a landscape architect, the mayor’s 2027 budget would need to include the approximate expense of $35,000.
The retained landscape architect would work with the Municipality and the community to develop a plan for the property that reflects its intended use.
Smith added, “It will all be part of retaining a landscape architect to have a structured approach on how we develop the design plans. It’s important that we have the public consultation, and then being build on that framework to go forward, but I believe it would be more prudent to have it all in one, in one package… for the 2027 budget.”
For further background information, visit the Municipality of Kincardine’s Bluewater Trailer Park project page.